Key Takeaways
- The 3M Headliner Adhesive dries quickly but is suitable for heavy-duty projects.
- The 3M Super 77 dries a lot faster and is suitable for light-duty projects.
If you are looking for reliable adhesives for headliners or any other project, the Headliner Adhesive and Super 77 from the 3M are two popular choices.
In my experiment, I noticed that both adhesives are strong and durable but have certain differences.
But are they good enough for your project?
Well, the best way to learn more about their reliability is to compare 3m Headliner Adhesive vs. Super 77. In today’s article, you will find all the answers.
Overview of 3M Headliner Adhesive
The 3M Headliner Adhesive is a permanent sealant that works on multiple surfaces. It is highly reliable for bonding fabric, plastic, foam, metal, or any non-porous material.
While it creates a permanent bond, you can often remove it depending on the material and surface type.
This adhesive is made to bond the headliners in your car without causing any damage or mess.
Give it 30 to 60 minutes, and you will find the result pretty satisfying.
Overview of 3M Super 77 Adhesive
The 3M Super 77 has been one of the most popular adhesives from 3M.
It’s a multipurpose sealant and very suitable for use on fabric, foam, fiberglass, metal, plastic, paper, wood, and more.
On top of that, it dries faster and leaves a long-lasting effect on the material.
It is transparent and does not get yellowish after drying like many low-quality ones I have found over time.
3M Headliner Adhesive vs. Super 77
Here, I broke down the features and other aspects of the adhesives to help you clearly understand their quality and performance.
Application Type
The 3M Headliner Adhesive and Super 77 are high-performing sealants. They come in cans and are applied using spray nozzles.
You can apply them in think layers first and add more if needed after the previous layer dries completely.
But I advise you to spray them in thin and even layers to get the best result.
Ease of Application
From my testing, I found none of these sealants are messy or runny due to heat or humidity.
However, the Headliner Adhesive has a wider nozzle, which is more suitable for aggressive application.
If you want to spray with low pressure, you have to be more precise, and it can be tacky if you are not used to spray adhesive.
However, that won’t be an issue with the Super 77, as its nozzle allows users to apply more easily without overspraying anywhere.
Compatible For
If you need an adhesive for heavy-duty projects, the 3M Headliner Adhesive will come in handy. It is highly recommended if you want to fix sagging headliners.
You can also use it on plastic, metal, fabric, and other non-porous materials.
When using the Super 77, I realized this adhesive is more suitable for light-duty projects.
But you can use it on paper, plastic, fabric, fiberglass, foam, leather, wood, etc.
However, the Headliner Adhesive is made specifically for headliners, making the Super 77 seem more versatile.
Bonding Time
In most cases, it takes around 30 minutes to an hour for the Headliner Adhesive to dry and start bonding the materials.
On the contrary, the Super 77 takes only 1 minute to dry. It starts bonding the material effectively in 10 to 30 minutes in any weather condition.
But you must also remember that the bonding duration also depends on how many layers you apply.
Bonding Strength
When it comes to bonding strength, the 3M Headliner Adhesive beats the Super 77.
Despite fast drying and good bonding strength, the Super 77 is not the best compared to the Headliner Adhesive.
In fact, some users even complained that the foams or insulation they used the glue on came off at one point.
On the contrary, the Headliner Adhesive certainly creates a stronger and long-lasting bond.
Reposition and Adjustability
Since the Headliner Adhesive takes longer to dry and bond, it gives you enough time to work on the project.
You can adjust the parts or reposition them as needed more flexibly. Yet some users experienced the glue drying instantly depending on the material.
With its fast-drying formula, the Super 77 dries quickly, resisting high or low temperatures. So you won’t have much time to readjust or reposition anything.
Removability
The 3M Headliner Adhesive ensured permanent bonding. Once the glue cures, there is no turning back.
However, in some cases, the glue can be removed. But also depends on the material and removal process.
The Super 77 is also a permanent adhesive and bonds pretty well.
That is why it is best to avoid removing the glue, as it can damage the material’s surface.
Cost
There isn’t much difference between the price of 3M Headliner Adhesive and Super 77.
It often varies depending on various factors, such as the location, retailer, product availability, discount, etc.
Nevertheless, the Headliner Adhesive is slightly more expensive than the Super 77.
Safety
Since these are permanent spray adhesives, keeping them away from heat and flame sources is important.
Besides, the Headliner Adhesive leaves a strong odor and fume, which is bad for your respiratory system.
That’s why I suggest wearing respiratory masks when applying the sealants.
Make sure to work in a well-ventilated area or keep your car door open if you are using adhesives to fix the interior.
Is 3M Super 77 Stronger Than the 3M Headliner Adhesive?
The Super 77 is a strong adhesive, especially if you seal paper and any fabric.
Unfortunately, comparing 3M Headliner Adhesive vs Super 77 shows that the Headliner Adhesive is stronger.
However, I must also add that the Super 77 can show different results in certain cases.